Gathering Data	Comparison of Diet Results
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University researchers partnered with secondary students in West Virginia and Mali on an international science investigation to strengthen science education and public health practices. WV and Mali students began communicating via letter writing which led to comparisons of basic health indicators between peers in both locations. Full IRB approval was provided by West Virginia University for this human subjects study. Measures of diet, physical activity, BMI, and blood pressure were gathered on study participants. The mean systolic blood pressure for the Mali participants was significantly lower, especially when compared to African-American youth (p=.0008). Also, the mean BMI scores of Mali participants were lower (F 1,77=11.43, p=0.0011). Not only did student investigators find significant differences in the measurements between the populations in the two countries, the study also offered student investigators a chance to discover the role that environment plays in influencing health beyond their communities. Student investigators analyzed results with guidance by university faculty and showcased their results to peer-audiences at school, for local community events, and at annual Symposia. The University partnership provided opportunities for secondary students and their teachers to experience authentic research and exposure to international public health strategies. Viable alternatives to unhealthy behavior were shared. The results point to the importance of a nutrition-dense diet (low in fats and sugar) combined with simple walking, as beneficial for all humans. Such comparisons can enhance science education, global health awareness, and empower young adults to alter their unhealthy behavior so as to avoid chronic disease in adulthood.

All our data is now being submitted for publication. Please contact Jenny Bardwell for access to data and results.

 

Revised December, 2006